Faith at Work: How Women Can Turn Their Careers into a Godly Calling
Career burnout—it’s something many women face at some point in their professional journeys. For me, it happened while working in the healthcare technology sector. At first, my work felt exciting and purpose-driven. I believed that I was contributing to meaningful change by helping healthcare systems run more efficiently and supporting teams who cared for patients. But over time, that excitement faded. The long hours, endless meetings, and constant pressure to innovate left me questioning, “Is what I’m doing even making a difference?”
I started to feel disconnected from my work, like I was just another cog in the machine. I wanted to feel like my efforts mattered, but the results seemed invisible, and the burnout set in. Worse yet, I felt guilty for feeling this way. Shouldn’t I be grateful for having a job in such an important field?
Then, COVID-19 hit, and everything changed. Suddenly, the healthcare industry was at the center of the world’s attention. The systems I worked on and the solutions I helped design were saving lives. My team was working tirelessly to support frontline workers, and I saw firsthand how much we were needed. It was a wake-up call—I realized that my work mattered more than I had ever imagined.
But as inspiring as that revelation was, it didn’t magically fix the burnout. In fact, it made it worse. Now, I was carrying the weight of knowing I was needed, but I still couldn’t shake the original feelings of exhaustion and detachment. I felt guilty for not being able to push through. I prayed for clarity and strength, asking God to show me how to navigate this season. That’s when I was reminded of the purpose of work as described in scripture.
The Biblical Purpose of Work
Work isn’t just something we do to pay the bills—it’s part of God’s plan for us. In Genesis 2:15, we see that from the very beginning, God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden “to work it and take care of it.” Work was part of God’s perfect design, a way for us to use the gifts He’s given us to steward His creation and glorify Him.
Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” When we reframe our work as an act of worship and service to God, it transforms even the most mundane tasks into something meaningful.
This shift in perspective didn’t erase the challenges of my job, but it gave me a new lens through which to view my career. I realized that my work wasn’t just about immediate results or recognition—it was about being faithful in what God had called me to do, even when it felt hard.
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5 Tips to Reframe Your View on Work
If you’re feeling burnt out or disconnected in your career, you’re not alone. Here are five tips that helped me reframe my perspective and rediscover purpose in my work:
1. Remember Who You’re Working For
Take a moment to remind yourself that your work is ultimately for God, not for human approval or achievement. When you view your tasks as an offering to Him, it shifts the focus from self to service. Dedicate your work to God each morning in prayer, asking Him to guide your efforts and use them for His glory.
2. Celebrate Small Wins
In healthcare technology, I often struggled with the fact that the impact of my work wasn’t always visible. But I realized that every small win—whether it was improving a process or supporting a coworker—was part of a bigger picture. Recognize and celebrate the small ways your work makes a difference, even if they seem insignificant.
3. Build Deeper Connections at Work
One of the most transformative things you can do is cultivate meaningful relationships with your coworkers. When we take work friendships deeper, we create a sense of community that makes the workplace not only more enjoyable but also more supportive. Sharing your faith, encouraging one another, and even praying for each other can turn your workplace into a space of fellowship and joy.
4. Find Purpose in Serving Others
Whether you’re in healthcare, education, or any other field, remember that your work is an opportunity to serve others. Look for ways to go above and beyond to support your team, customers, or community. When you focus on serving others, it’s easier to see the bigger purpose behind your efforts.
5. Lean on Community
Burnout often feels isolating, but you don’t have to face it alone. Surround yourself with a faith-filled community that can encourage and uplift you. Whether it’s a women’s fellowship group, a Bible study, or even a mentor at work, having a support system can help you stay grounded and motivated.
The Importance of Community at Work
When I was struggling with burnout, one of the things that kept me going was the relationships I had with my coworkers. We leaned on each other during tough days, celebrated each other’s successes, and even shared moments of prayer when the challenges felt overwhelming. Those friendships reminded me that I wasn’t alone and that my work had value beyond the tasks I completed.
Community at work doesn’t just make the job easier—it makes it more fulfilling. By building deeper connections with your coworkers, you create a sense of belonging that can turn even the most stressful workplace into a space of joy and collaboration. And as Christians, we have the unique opportunity to be a light in our workplaces, encouraging others and reflecting God’s love.
If you’re feeling burnt out or questioning the purpose of your work, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to feel tired, to need a reset, and to seek God’s guidance as you navigate your career. Remember, work is not just a means to an end—it’s an opportunity to glorify God, serve others, and live out His calling for your life.
Take time to reflect on how your work aligns with God’s purpose, and don’t be afraid to lean on your community for support. Whether it’s through deepening friendships at work, joining a fellowship group, or praying with a trusted mentor, you don’t have to walk this journey alone.
At GatherHood, we believe in the power of faith and community to transform every aspect of life, including your career. If you’re looking for resources or a supportive group of women to walk alongside you, we’re here to help. Together, we can turn work from a source of burnout into an act of worship and a reflection of God’s glory.
